Get important papers ready to go Now, while skies are clear, think about the paperwork you'll need to take with you in case of a hurricane. Prepare a hurricane file for papers you'll need immediately, and place other valuable documents somewhere hurricane-proof, such as a safe deposit box.

Storm chasers to be tracking gustsData from Frances, Ivan and other hurricanes confirm a pattern of destructive wind bursts. Researchers hope more observations will inform where, how and what we build.

Timely tip: Trim those treesHomeowners can avoid property damage and maybe even power outages by getting rid of dead or diseased trees or branches. But they may need a permit first.

The price of paradise In the Tampa Bay region, we have the best of all worlds - white sand beaches and bay views, magnificent sunsets, warm weather tempered with a gentle Gulf breeze as well as the vibrant economy and cultural opportunities of a metropolitan area - most of the time.

Test your knowledge Here's a sampling of the quiz questions asked in the Mason-Dixon poll on hurricane preparedness.

Tips to help homes weather storms There are some specific actions you should take to make your home safer. To make some of these improvements, you will have to get up in the attic or crawl space with a flashlight. You may feel more comfortable with an experienced and licensed inspector, architect, engineer or contractor inspecting your home. Whatever choice you make, take time to do this well before the storm threatens.

Protecting your business Last hurricane season's overall damage was estimated at $21.47-billion, and about 24 percent of that, $5.18-billion, was commercial losses. It is estimated that 25 percent to 40 percent of businesses experiencing a disaster never recover. A major hurricane striking the Tampa Bay area would result in severe losses. Use the following checklist to prepare a business disaster recovery plan:

Ivan chewed up to 164 feet of beachA Geological Survey oceanographer says the hurricane's toppling of five-story buildings by erosion was the worst such impact in U.S. history.

Hurricane watching on the Web Here are some weather and emergency-related sites to go to for information on-line. Remember that it's dangerous to operate your computer in a storm. In fact, you should unplug all electronics before a storm to protect them from surges, and keep them unplugged until after power has been restored.

Hurricane glossary By international agreement, tropical cyclone is the general term for all cyclonic, counterclockwise circulations originating over tropical waters, classified by form and intensity as follows:

Hurricane advisories Advisory - A way of disseminating hurricane and storm information to the public every six hours.

Hanging onto skinny lineThe hurricane center plans to discourage obsession with it by using a color-coded map that displays the odds a storm will hit.

By the numbers A quick look at the 2004 hurricane season in Florida, by the numbers:

Arlene ushers in names of 2005 The National Hurricane Center started naming hurricanes in 1953 to get away from latitude-longitude designations and military names, and to draw more attention to the deadly storms. Six lists of names are in the rotation, which is maintained and updated by the World Meteorological Organization. Since 1979, men's and women's names have alternated.

Are you insured enough?Reviewing your policy isn't a bad idea. For example, would hotel bills and meals be covered if a disaster forced a temporary move?

2004, a most sinister seasonOnly Texas in 1886 had the misfortune that struck Florida last year. Who can forget the here-we-go-again of it all?

Citrus CountyCitrus County shelters and emergency information Should a hurricane threaten Citrus County, all residents west of U.S. 19 and residents 11/2 miles east of U.S. 19 must evacuate. In addition, all mobile home residents, regardless of where they live in the county, must evacuate. Residents who do not have another safe place to wait through the storm should go to one of the shelters.

Hernando CountyHernando County shelters and emergency information Shelters are listed in order of opening. A minimum of two shelters will be open during emergencies. Pets, alcoholic beverages, and weapons will not be permitted inside public shelters.

Manatee CountyManatee County shelters and emergency information Shelter openings may vary with each emergency. Stay tuned to local media for a listing of which shelters will be opened for an event. Do not go to the shelter until local officials announce through the media that the shelter is open. Shelter openings will differ by size and intensity of disaster.

Pasco CountyPasco County shelters and emergency information Depending on the severity of the storm, all shelters may not be opened. Before evacuating, check your local news or the government access channel to see which shelters are open, and listen for emergency information updates throughout the storm.

Pinellas CountyNorth Pinellas County shelters and emergency information Shelter openings will vary with each emergency - depending on the size, intensity and duration of the event. Stay tuned to local media for a listing of which shelters will be opened. Do NOT go to shelter until local officials announce that the shelter is open. South Pinellas County shelters and emergency information Shelter openings will vary with each emergency - depending on the size, intensity and duration of the event. Stay tuned to local media for a listing of which shelters will be opened. Do NOT go to shelter until local officials announce that the shelter is open.

Sarasota CountySarasota County shelters and emergency information Sarasota County phases in shelter openings when an emergency threatens. It uses a geographically tiered approach in order to effectively and efficiently manage disaster resources and to keep pace with public safety demand. As Tier 1 opens, Tier 2 is placed on standby. The following tiers are opened as each tier begins to reach capacity. As shelters open or reach capacity, the most current information will be made available through the news media. Do not go to the shelter until local officials say it is open. Shelter openings will differ by size and intensity of a storm.